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Midland painted turtle

Chrysemys picta marginata

The painted turtle has a dark to olive green upper shell called a carapace, with red markings along the edges. The lower shell, known as the plastron, is usually yellow, sometimes with a tint of red, and has a dark central blotch. The head, neck, legs and tail have red and yellow stripes.

Animal Facts

Diet:

The painted turtle's diet includes aquatic insects, small crustaceans, fish, tadpoles, carrion (dead animals) and plants. Young painted turtles are mostly carnivorous (meat-eaters) and gradually become more herbivorous (plant-eaters) with age.

Habitat:

The painted turtle can be found in rivers, streams, creeks, lakes and ponds with shallow muddy bottoms and lots of aquatic vegetation.

Interesting Facts:

The young turtles that overwinter in their underground nests can produce natural anti-freeze that allows them to survive the harsh winter weather.